In a conversation with my cousin, he asked me what did I learn while in Japan.
I thought about answering with "I learned so much!" I reconsidered and thought hard about the question.
My answer...
We're not that different as we make it seem.
April 10, 2010
Once again I am amazed by the extreme diversity of the world. I love walking through gardens and thinking of all the good man kind has done in the world. It's not so bad to take a stroll and pray for world peace. Keep your friends, love your enemies; make them not your enemies, save them with your love. Teach the world is different in ways, but we all strive to one common purpose, a goal and that is what makes us all human. Of course, this has been said before. I'm only repeating what many have said before me, but with everything in the world we need reminding."
- From Narita Drum Festival entry
While at the Narita Drum Festival the music flowing from the drums brought this beautiful vision of the world. I am amazed by the array of cultures. However, while many are different in their ways the goal of all them is the same. To live. Music is varied in forms but we all listen for the enjoyment it brings to our ears. Fashion can crazy or subtle, but we all need to dress. The list goes on and on. In Okinawa I learned how to play the Sanshin, Okinawan drum and dance. I was so thankful with the teachers for sharing their culture with me. I can go on and on about this and it will just end up being repetitive. The world seems huge with 14+ flights, rise in gas prices, and language barriers, but our Earth is quite small.
"There's so much that we share that it's time we're aware it's a small world after all."
Narita Drum Festival
Learning Okinawa Dance and Drum
A man my roommates and I met after asking for directions. He and his wife invited us for tea and snacks and played his sanshin for us.
Learning the sanshin. 
Glass blowing in Okinawa
Soaking our feet in an onsen in Ito
Tea Picking in Ito
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